SNP Westminster candidate for Banff & Buchan Eilidh Whiteford was officially adopted by the local Constituency Association on Saturday night as their candidate for the next UK General Election.Eilidh has been campaigning across the constituency since being selected in 2007 but the political tradition of holding an 'adoption meeting' as the election approaches was continued on Saturday at an event in New Deer Public Hall attended by over 120 people.
Local MP Alex Salmond and Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs Richard Lochhead spoke in support of Eilidh, who was unanimously adopted. Banff & Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson and Euro-MP Ian Hudghton officiated at the event.
Speaking in New Deer on Saturday night, Eilidh Whiteford said:
"I'm very honoured to be the SNP candidate for Banff & Buchan.
"The SNP's priority right now is protecting jobs and working for recovery. At the next General Election the choice will be between London parties intent on slashing public spending, or the SNP, defending our interests and moving Scotland forward.
"My top priority will be to stand up for our local industries and way of life."
Banff & Buchan MP Alex Salmond said:
"In Eilidh Whiteford people can be sure that we have a strong local voice to stand up for our vital interests.
"I am delighted that Eilidh will be leading the campaign in Banff & Buchan for the SNP at the next UK election, whenever Gordon Brown decides to call it.
"I know that Eilidh will work hard to earn the trust of voters in this constituency and build on the proud record of service provided to constituents by their SNP representatives at all levels – councillors, MEPs, MPs and MSPs."
Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs Richard Lochhead MSP added:
"The SNP Government has achieved much for Scotland's farming and fishing industries – but we could do so much more with our own independent representation at the top table in Europe.
"We must never forget that it was the Conservatives who devastated much of the Scottish fishing industry with their dismissal of the industry as "expendable" and taking us into the Common Fisheries Policy.
"Eilidh Whiteford will be a strong voice at Westminster, defending our industries and interests from an uncaring London Government."